It could be weeks before we learn who the new "American Idol" judge is, according to host Ryan Seacrest.

At auditions for the singing competition Tuesday (August 3) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Seacrest told The Associated Press that he wasn't quite sure how the recent departures would be filled.

Both Simon Cowell and [article id="1644762"]Ellen DeGeneres[/article] have left the show, and [article id="1644881"]Steven Tyler[/article] and [article id="1644771"]Jennifer Lopez[/article] are their rumored replacements. Fox has declined to comment on whether Randy Jackson or Kara DioGuardi will be back for this upcoming season.

Reigning "Idol" champ Lee DeWyze issued a statement to Billboard.com, saying he was "privileged" to have been judged -- and praised -- by outgoing judge DeGeneres.

"I feel very privileged to have been a part of 'American Idol' while Ellen was there," the season-nine winner said. "She represented the voice of the viewers and genuinely wanted to see each of us succeed. That's what I love about Ellen, she has a huge heart. I valued her opinion each and every week, and can not thank her enough for her support throughout last season. I wish her the best."

Even though Fox has been mum about who a new judge (or judges) might be, Tyler has confirmed that he was contacted by the network.

"I would be honest to the ones that think they have it, and I would be truthful in the sense that if, to those that have it, they don't have it yet enough. And I would tell them exactly why, as I see it," the rocker said in an interview on syndicated radio show "Kid Kraddick in the Morning" on Monday.

What do you think about the "Idol" judging shake-up? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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